Growing tomatoes in containers in Florida can be so rewarding, but choosing the right varieties makes all the difference. I’ve learned which types thrive in pots under the sun and humidity here.
With the right care, even a small balcony or patio can yield juicy, flavorful tomatoes. It’s incredible how much you can harvest from just a few containers.
I’ll share the varieties that have worked best in my own Florida garden.
1. Everglades
Native to Florida’s unique ecosystem, this wild tomato variety laughs in the face of heat and humidity. The small, pea-sized fruits pack surprising flavor into their tiny packages.
Gardeners across the Sunshine State appreciate how this variety self-seeds readily and produces continuously without much fuss. Perfect for beginners who want a low-maintenance option that keeps on giving.
2. Sweet 100
Cherry-sized gems that burst with sweetness, these little wonders produce clusters of fruit that’ll keep you snacking all season. Florida’s extended growing season means you’ll harvest hundreds from just one plant.
Many gardeners in the Sunshine State prefer these for their incredible productivity and resistance to splitting. They’re perfect for hanging baskets where the cascading vines can show off their bounty.
3. Patio Princess
Royalty among container varieties, this compact beauty reaches only 2 feet tall but delivers full-sized fruits with excellent flavor. The determinate growth habit means all fruits ripen within a short window.
Florida gardeners love how this variety handles the state’s intense summer heat without complaint. Its space-saving nature makes it perfect for apartment dwellers with just a small sunny spot to spare.
4. Heatwave
Specially bred for hot climates, this aptly named variety shrugs off Florida’s scorching summer temperatures. The medium-sized fruits develop a rich, balanced flavor that many grocery store tomatoes lack.
Gardeners throughout the Sunshine State report successful harvests even during July and August when other varieties struggle. The plant’s resistance to heat-related issues makes it a must-have for summer container gardens.
5. Supersweet
Sugar-sweet and incredibly productive, these cherry tomatoes live up to their name with flavor that rivals candy. The vigorous vines need good support but reward Florida gardeners with seemingly endless harvests.
Many container enthusiasts across the Sunshine State find these irresistible for fresh eating. Their high sugar content makes them less susceptible to the cracking issues that plague other varieties during Florida’s sudden rainstorms.
6. Bush Early Girl
Ready for harvest weeks before most varieties, this compact version of the classic Early Girl is perfect for impatient gardeners. The determinate habit means it stays manageable in containers without excessive pruning.
Florida’s early spring growing season gives these beauties a head start before summer heat intensifies. Many container gardeners throughout the state appreciate the reliable production of medium-sized, flavorful fruits.
7. Solar Fire
Developed by the University of Florida specifically for the state’s challenging climate, this heat-tolerant champion produces medium to large fruits. The plants show excellent resistance to the diseases that typically plague Florida tomatoes.
Gardeners across the Sunshine State report successful harvests even during the hottest months. The determinate growth habit makes it container-friendly, while the crack-resistant fruits handle Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms with ease.
8. Husky Cherry Red
Sturdy and compact with a semi-determinate habit, this variety stays bushy rather than sprawling. The sweet cherry tomatoes appear in abundance on plants that rarely exceed three feet tall.
Florida container gardeners appreciate the built-in sturdiness that reduces the need for staking. Throughout the Sunshine State, these plants maintain production even as temperatures climb, making them reliable performers for patios and balconies.
9. Tumbling Tom
Cascading stems loaded with cherry-sized fruits make this variety perfect for hanging baskets. The trailing habit creates a beautiful display as the plants spill over container edges with minimal support needed.
Florida gardeners find these ideal for apartments and condos with limited floor space but vertical potential. Throughout the Sunshine State, these decorative plants serve double duty as both ornamentals and edibles on balconies and lanais.
10. Celebrity
Award-winning for good reason, this reliable performer produces medium to large tomatoes with excellent disease resistance. The semi-determinate growth habit offers a nice balance between contained size and extended harvest.
Container gardeners throughout Florida appreciate its adaptability to the state’s varying conditions. From the panhandle to the keys, Celebrity handles humidity while producing firm, crack-resistant fruits that maintain quality even during summer rains.
11. Better Bush
Stocky and self-supporting, this variety lives up to its name with a naturally compact form perfect for containers. The sturdy central stem produces full-sized fruits without the sprawling habit of many tomatoes.
Florida gardeners with limited space find this variety ideal for small patios and balconies. Throughout the Sunshine State, Better Bush maintains its tidy form while delivering classic tomato flavor from plants that rarely exceed three feet tall.
12. Phoenix
Rising above Florida’s heat challenges, this aptly named variety produces when others have given up. The medium-sized fruits develop excellent flavor even during the hottest months when tomato production typically slows.
Container gardeners across the Sunshine State turn to Phoenix for reliable summer harvests. Its heat-set capabilities mean flowers don’t drop during temperature spikes, ensuring continuous fruit production throughout Florida’s extended growing season.
13. Tiny Tim
Perfectly suited for the smallest spaces, this miniature variety grows just 12-18 inches tall. The adorable plants produce cherry-sized fruits with surprising flavor despite their diminutive stature.
Florida apartment dwellers with only a sunny windowsill can successfully grow these charming plants. Throughout the Sunshine State, Tiny Tim serves as an entry point for beginning gardeners or those with extremely limited growing space.